Goodwin Living logo

Cook (Full-Time)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Temporary
Full-time
Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $21.00 - $24.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
DailyPay
Tuition Assistance
financial assistance
Tutoring
Staff Emergency Grants
Free Meals
fitness center access
Pool access

Job Description

Goodwin Living is a distinguished nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, dedicated to supporting, honoring, and uplifting the lives of older adults and those who care for them. With a rich history of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, Goodwin Living has been recognized as a Washington Post Top Workplace in the Washington-area for seven consecutive years and consistently ranks within the top 13 organizations nationally receiving the Top Workplaces USA designation. The organization takes pride in its diverse team of more than 1,450 individuals representing over 65 countries, creating a vibrant cultural mosaic that enriches the workplace. This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to its mission and values, making Goodwin Living not just an employer but a global family.

The organization’s success stems from its dedication to providing exceptional career benefits that ensure every team member feels safe, successful, and appreciated. Goodwin Living regularly surveys its team members to tailor benefits and improve working conditions, which include comprehensive health care, security, education opportunities, and paid time off. These offerings underscore the organization’s investment in the well-being and professional growth of its employees. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or on an as-needed basis, Goodwin Living is committed to supporting your career journey and personal development.

The Cook position at Goodwin Living is vital to its culinary operations, which span multiple venues and special events. The role focuses on preparing, supplying, and supporting food services according to standardized recipes, adhering to departmental procedures and stringent safety and sanitation guidelines. Working hours for this position are 11:30 am to 7:30 pm with flexibility regarding days of the week, offering a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21 to $24. The cook will engage in essential food preparation tasks, including preparing mise en place, producing sauces, fabricating and cooking meats and fish, and managing salad bar, dessert, soup, sandwich, and side stations. This role requires competency in reading meal plan and carry-out orders, supporting catering services as needed, and preparing healthcare cuisine under supervision.

In addition to technical skills, the position demands adherence to rigorous health and safety protocols such as using hand thermometers properly, sanitizing work areas frequently, following recipes precisely, and maintaining inventory with proper labeling and storage. The role requires vigilance in maintaining cleanliness and overall attractiveness of the culinary environment, ensuring all food safety standards are consistently met. The cook must demonstrate proficiency in kitchen equipment like dicing machines, slicers, and choppers, and be able to open and close stations effectively.

Goodwin Living values its team members highly and offers them a range of benefits designed to promote work-life balance, personal security, and career growth. Benefits for full-time employees include paid time off, health insurance, DailyPay allowing payment on the same day of work, tuition assistance for career development, financial help with U.S. citizenship applications or DACA renewals, tutoring for ESL, citizenship tests, and GED programs. Additional perks include access to fitness centers, pools, free meals, and emergency staff grants. The organization is committed to creating a fulfilling work environment by promoting diversity, growth opportunities, and continuous learning, making it one of the top workplaces recognized nationally.

Job Requirements

  • High school graduate, GDE or equivalent preferred
  • must be able to read, write, measure, and follow instructions in English
  • up to date SERV Safe Food Handler’s Sanitation Certificate preferred
  • two years or more of food service preparation experience required
  • excellent communication skills preferred
  • conversational English required
  • must possess the ability to deal tactfully with others

Job Qualifications

  • High school graduate, GDE or equivalent preferred
  • must be able to read, write, measure, and follow instructions in English
  • up to date SERV Safe Food Handler’s Sanitation Certificate preferred
  • two years or more of food service preparation experience required
  • excellent communication skills preferred
  • conversational English required
  • must possess the ability to deal tactfully with others

Job Duties

  • Adhere to consistency standards—recipes, measurements, and techniques
  • excellent prep skills—knife skills, labelling
  • prepare Mise En Place for any station in a single zone with supervision
  • produce sauces, fabricate, and properly cook meat and fish
  • set up and break down a zone
  • execute salad bar and dessert stations, soups, sandwiches, sides—with minimum supervision
  • assist catering as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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